Partnership on the water: 蘑菇短视频outfitted with new Liquidlogic kayaks
By Shane Ryden
蘑菇短视频 students are gearing up for their next adventures with fresh equipment, all thanks to a partnership that brings a new fleet of Liquidlogic kayaks to campus.
The Nantahala, the Tuckasegee and the French Broad rivers are world-renowned destinations for whitewater sports. Beginners can enjoy slow stretches in relatively still waters, and seasoned paddlers can take on roaring rapids of every class.
To help students experience these waters firsthand, 蘑菇短视频has long prioritized the outdoor programming available through the parks and recreation management (PRM) program and campus recreation and wellness' Base Camp Cullowhee. Now, that commitment is getting a major boost.
Through a new agreement with local companies Liquidlogic Kayaks and BIG Adventures, Catamounts will have access to top-of-the-line boats and opportunities to learn from industry professionals, including Olympic-level athletes, at future clinics. The deal also allows 蘑菇短视频to purchase additional kayaks at a reduced cost, benefiting students, faculty and staff alike.
"We're so lucky to have such wonderful community support,鈥� said Rebekah Henderson, associate instructor of PRM. 鈥淢any students find their way to this lifelong sport of paddling through taking our classes at WCU. Not only do we get to introduce students to the sport, but because of the generosity of Liquid Logic, we get to expose them to some top-notch designs in the boating world.鈥�
Andrew Bobilya, professor and program director of experiential and outdoor education, noted that the new deal builds on a long-standing professional relationship:
鈥淲CU鈥檚 parks and recreation management program began purchasing Liquid Logic kayaks over 15 years ago to use in our beginner/intermediate whitewater kayaking and introduction to outdoor pursuits courses,鈥� Bobilya said.
鈥淲e have appreciated the opportunity to support local businesses and have benefited over the years as Liquid Logic and BIG Adventures have donated to various PRM student events and most recently supported our program with the donation of a kayak to add to our instructional fleet.鈥�
Liquidlogic Kayaks, founded 25 years ago on the banks of the Green River, has grown into a leading name in paddlesports by constantly innovating the game, incorporating improved pedal-assist technology into their crafts and pushing the thresholds of kayak design. Many of its team members, headquartered in nearby Fletcher, share a passion for educating younger athletes.
鈥淪upporting the next generation of paddlers here at home is especially meaningful to us,鈥� said Tyler Brown, kayak specialist and BIG Adventures COO. 鈥淭hrough demos, events and shared initiatives, we鈥檙e excited to expand access to whitewater and strengthen the region鈥檚 outdoor culture together."
Shane Benedict, head of design and founding member of Liquidlogic, added: 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about this partnership because it connects our shared passion for exploration, education, and the rivers that define our region. And it certainly doesn鈥檛 hurt that one of our founding partners played basketball for Western鈥攇o Cats!鈥�
With new equipment and professional connections, 蘑菇短视频students are better prepared than ever to explore the rivers of southern Appalachia. Clinics and courses through Base Camp Cullowhee and PRM will continue to introduce students to paddling, building skills that last a lifetime.
Students interested in hitting the water can learn more or register for upcoming programs through Campus Recreation and Wellness. Any individuals interested in donating to the PRM program can visit give.wcu.edu.
